New Bethany Ministries (NBM) will host its 25th annual Luminaria Night Dec. 10. All funds raised will benefit NBM’s mission to offer hope and support to those experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness. In 2021, $148,607.92 was raised through kit purchases and donations, with a total of 92,424 candles displayed throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Continuing the process of previous years, an online platform will be used to purchase kits through neighborhood block captains. New this year, NBM will provide a more accessible way to purchase individual kits and distribute kits to block captains. Individual buyers can now purchase and pick up Luminaria kits at a storefront in Center Valley. As of Oct. 17, volunteers are available Monday-Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at Suite 816 at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley for single-kit purchases. Block captains will continue to purchase their kits online but will pick them up at this new retail location.

“Luminaria Night is one of New Bethany’s most important and beautiful fundraisers,” said Marc Rittle, executive director of NBM. “This annual event is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season and make a difference for those in need. With the numbers of people needing housing and food assistance continuously rising, Luminaria Night offers an opportunity to unite neighbors in support of a common, and beneficial goal.”

Luminaria Night connects Lehigh Valley residents by lighting up neighborhoods during the holidays.

The event is known by participants as the embodiment of the community coming together to help neighbors in their darkest hour. It began 24 years ago when three Bethlehem neighbors connected their homes with candlelight to symbolize unity and caring for underserved members of the community. In the early years of this tradition, several charities, including NBM, benefited, as businesses and churches lit up their community during the holiday season. Luminaria has grown exponentially over the years, reaching its highest participation rate last year with 250 Lehigh Valley neighborhoods.

To find a block captain or learn more about Luminaria Night, please visit https://newbethanyministries.org/event/luminaria-night-2022/.

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